7.3 / 10 (based on 640 reviews)
A definitive account of Putin’s power and how it changed the modern world.
Genre: Biography
Main Cast: Arkady Ostrovsky, Mark Galeotti, Mikhail Fishman, Vladimir Kara-Murza
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1 season, 3 episodes
Shows Most Like Putin: A Russian Spy Story (2020)
The Rise of the Murdoch Dynasty (2020)
7.7 / 10 (based on 663 reviews)
A dramatic three-part series tells the incredible story of Rupert Murdoch’s Empire, interweaving his behind-the-scenes influence on world events with the personal battle for power at the heart of his own family.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Kate Fleetwood, Piers Morgan, Andrew Neil, Les Hinton
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1 season, 3 episodes, 179.0-minute runtime
The Trump Show (2020)
7.6 / 10 (based on 591 reviews)
Protests, political turmoil, pandemic – the inside story of the extraordinary Trump presidency. Friends and foes tell of his rise from TV star to leader of the free world.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Steve Bannon, Rudy Giuliani, John Bolton, Jonathan Karl
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1 season, 4 episodes, 237.0-minute runtime
A Dangerous Dynasty: House of Assad (2018)
7.8 / 10 (based on 192 reviews)
The inside story of a family dynasty at the heart of one of the world’s biggest problems.
Genre: Documentary
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1 season, 3 episodes
Thatcher: A Very British Revolution (2019)
8 / 10 (based on 230 reviews)
An in-depth examination of Margaret Thatcher, her rise to power, and the changes brought forth by her years in leadership. Told without narration, the story uses archive film and the testimonies of those who knew her personally, and most of all, politically.
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Main Cast: Norman Tebbit, Bernard Ingham, Michael Heseltine, Michael Dobbs
Creators: Katie Boxer, Polly Greetham, Rachel Kay-Williams
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1 season, 5 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
I, Sniper (2020)
7.5 / 10 (based on 698 reviews)
In the fall of 2002, 17-year-old Lee Malvo and Gulf War veteran John Muhammad terrorized the D.C. region with a series of random shootings from inside the trunk of a blue Chevy Caprice, killing 10 people and injuring three.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Charles A. Moose
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1 season, 8 episodes, 55.0-minute runtime
The Putin Interviews (2017)
7.5 / 10 (based on 4996 reviews)
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone interviews the Russian president Vladimir Putin about divisive issues related to the US-Russia relations.
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Main Cast: Oliver Stone, Vladimir Putin, Sergei Chudinov, Fernando Sulichin
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1 season, 4 episodes, 58.0-minute runtime
In a world where political intrigue and the shadows of espionage never cease to captivate, “Putin: A Russian Spy Story” emerges as a pivotal documentary series that sheds light on one of the most enigmatic figures of the 21st century: Vladimir Putin. This three-part series, released in 2020, ventures deep into the life and rise of Russia’s longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin, offering viewers an intricate look at the man behind the Kremlin’s walls.
Early Life and KGB Years
Vladimir Putin’s journey is nothing short of a spy thriller, beginning in the post-war Soviet Union’s grim streets of Leningrad, now known as Saint Petersburg. Born on October 7, 1952, Putin’s early life was marked by the typical hardships of post-war Soviet life. However, it was his time with the KGB, the Soviet Union’s main security agency, that shaped the man he would become. “Putin: A Russian Spy Story” delves into his recruitment into the KGB and his time as a spy in East Germany. Through interviews and archival footage, the series paints a picture of a young KGB officer honing the skills that would later define his political career: discretion, strategic thinking, and an unwavering resolve.
Rise to Power
Transitioning from the shadows of espionage to the forefront of Russian politics, Putin’s ascent to power is a testament to his tactical acumen. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia was in a state of turmoil, struggling with its new identity and the chaotic transition to a market economy. Putin, who had returned to Russia and entered the political arena in Saint Petersburg, quickly made a name for himself as a man who could get things done.
The series highlights key moments that catapulted Putin from the mayor’s office in Saint Petersburg to the highest echelons of power in Moscow. His appointment as the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the KGB, and later as Prime Minister under President Boris Yeltsin, positioned him as Yeltsin’s successor. The documentary underscores the pivotal moment on December 31, 1999, when Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned, and Putin became the acting President of Russia, a role he would solidify in the elections three months later.
Presidency and Control
Once at the helm, Putin embarked on a mission to restore Russia to its former glory, a theme that resonates throughout his tenure. “Putin: A Russian Spy Story” meticulously examines the methods Putin employed to consolidate power and exert control over the country. From the early days of his presidency, he sought to rein in the oligarchs who had amassed significant power and wealth in the 1990s, bringing the major national television networks under state control and neutralizing potential political adversaries.
The series does not shy away from the controversies and criticisms that have marred Putin’s presidency, including allegations of electoral fraud, the crackdown on political dissent, and the stifling of press freedom. It also explores Russia’s foreign policy under Putin, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014, the military intervention in Syria, and the allegations of interference in the 2016 US presidential election.
Personal Insights and Legacy
What sets “Putin: A Russian Spy Story” apart is its attempt to unravel the man behind the persona. Through interviews with former colleagues, political analysts, and even opponents, the series offers a glimpse into Putin’s personal life, his motivations, and his worldview. It portrays a leader who sees himself as the custodian of Russian sovereignty and a defender against Western encroachment.
The documentary series concludes by reflecting on Putin’s legacy and the future of Russia. With his current term set to end in 2024, and constitutional changes that could allow him to remain in power until 2036, Putin’s influence on Russia and the world stage is far from over. The series leaves viewers pondering the implications of his long tenure for Russia’s democracy, its place in the world, and the lives of its citizens.
Conclusion
“Putin: A Russian Spy Story” is a compelling deep dive into the life of one of the most influential figures of our time. It strips away the layers of mystery surrounding Vladimir Putin, offering a nuanced portrayal of a man who rose from obscurity to become a central figure in global politics. This documentary series is essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of modern Russia and the man at its helm.
In a world where the truth often seems stranger than fiction, “Putin: A Russian Spy Story” serves as a reminder of the power of documentary storytelling to illuminate the shadows of history and politics. Through meticulous research, firsthand accounts, and a critical eye, the series provides a comprehensive overview of Putin’s life, from his early days in the KGB to his enduring grip on power. It’s a story of ambition, power, and the quest for national resurgence, told against the backdrop of a country grappling with its identity and place in the world.
Whether you’re a history buff, a political junkie, or simply someone intrigued by the stories of influential leaders, “Putin: A Russian Spy Story” offers a captivating and insightful exploration of Vladimir Putin’s enigmatic journey.